How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

California

117⁰ West Spirits Speakeasy

Vista,

California

— Bourbon, Whiskey, Rye

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (760) 597-8985

🌐 https://www.117westspirits.com/speakeasy/?utm_campaign=local&utm_medium=web&utm_source=gbp

📍 2332 La Mirada Dr # 800, Vista, CA 92081, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

117° West Spirits Speakeasy sits in a Vista business complex, but step inside and you’ll find something that feels more like a hidden neighborhood bar than your typical distillery tasting room. Founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Nicole Tunstall, this operation started as a passion project that grew into a full-scale craft distillery and cocktail lounge. Matt brings a background in engineering while Nicole handles the business side, and together they’ve built something that bridges the gap between production facility and social destination. The speakeasy opened its doors in 2019, focusing on small-batch spirits with a heavy emphasis on whiskey and bourbon. What started as weekend tastings has evolved into a proper cocktail program where you can sip drinks made with spirits distilled right on the premises. The space itself feels intimate and welcoming, with exposed brick, dim lighting, and a bar that puts their house spirits front and center. You’re not just touring a facility here—you’re hanging out in a place where the people making the spirits are often the ones pouring your drinks.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

The speakeasy concept sets 117° West apart from most craft distilleries. While many places offer tastings and tours, this feels more like a destination bar that happens to make its own spirits. The Tunstalls have created an environment where production and hospitality blend seamlessly—you might see Matt checking on a fermentation tank while Nicole’s behind the bar crafting cocktails. Their approach to whiskey-making emphasizes experimentation with different grain bills and aging techniques, and because they’re small-scale, they can take risks that larger operations can’t. The location in Vista also puts them in relatively uncharted territory for craft spirits in North County San Diego.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Walking into the speakeasy feels like discovering a secret spot your friends have been hiding from you. The lighting is moody, the music’s right, and the bartenders actually know their stuff—because they’re often the same people making the spirits. You can order classic cocktails made with house bourbon or rye, or ask for something off-menu if you want to see what they can do. The vibe is relaxed and conversational, not stuffy or overly educational. If you’re curious about the production side, the team’s happy to talk about their process, but there’s no pressure to be there for the ‘distillery experience’ if you just want good drinks in a cool space.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re looking for a traditional distillery tour with gleaming copper stills and detailed production walkthroughs, this might not be your spot. But if you want to drink well-made cocktails featuring house spirits in an atmosphere that actually feels authentic rather than manufactured, 117° West delivers. It’s perfect for couples looking for a unique date night destination or small groups who want to try craft spirits without the formality of most distillery experiences. The speakeasy concept means you’re getting both the craft distillery credentials and the social experience of a good cocktail bar. Just don’t expect a massive facility or high-volume production tours.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Check their website or social media before heading over, as hours can vary and they sometimes close for private events. The space is relatively small, so if you’re planning to visit with a larger group, calling ahead is smart. Try their house whiskey neat first to get a sense of their style, then ask the bartender to make you something with it. The staff genuinely enjoys talking about their spirits and process, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Parking in the business complex is usually straightforward, but GPS might get a little confused with the suite number—look for the speakeasy signage once you’re in the area.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

117⁰ West Spirits Speakeasy — Visitor FAQ

Is this actually a speakeasy or just themed that way?

It’s speakeasy-themed but completely legal and above board. The name and atmosphere play into the prohibition-era vibe, but you don’t need a password or secret knock—just walk in during open hours.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Generally no, but the space is relatively intimate so larger groups should call ahead. They also sometimes host private events, so checking their social media before visiting is a good idea.

Can I buy bottles of their spirits to take home?

Yes, they sell bottles of their house-made spirits on-site. Selection depends on what they currently have in stock and what’s ready for retail sale.

GETTING THERE

Find 117⁰ West Spirits Speakeasy

📍2332 La Mirada Dr # 800, Vista, CA 92081, USA

—

📞 (760) 597-8985

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